Manager Neal Ardley has warned some fringe members of the AFC Wimbledon squad that they are going to have to work a lot harder if they are to get near the Dons' match-day team.

Speaking after a disappointing 1-1 draw at National League side Aldershot Town on Friday night, Ardley did not want to single out individual players for praise or blame.

But the Dons boss did admit that while some of the squad for the pre-season friendly game, which was made up of a mixture of youth and experience, impressed him, others will have to “step up” if they are going to see any League One action in 2017-18.

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“To be honest, there were one or two positives from the game but I don't want to single out players. Certain players need to step up if they are to get closer to the first team,” Ardley said after the draw.

One player who did impress at Aldershot Town was the lively Kwesi Appiah, however Ardley was unable to give the former Crystal Palace man game time alongside Lyle Taylor.

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Taylor missed out on this weekend's friendly against Aldershot and Ebbsfleet due to injury, but Ardley is hoping to see the forward back for the Dons' League One opener next weekend at Scunthorpe United.

“Lyle felt his calf when he came on the other day [against Wycombe Wanderers],” Ardley said. “He's just tweaked his calf. We don't think it's too serious and he might be back next week with a bit of luck, so we will keep our fingers crossed.”